Cardiff City

The Cardiff City manager, Dave Jones, believes Jay Bothroyd's England call-up is a reward for the hard work everyone at the club has put in on the striker.

Jones also believes it would be disappointing if players like Bothroyd were overlooked because they play outside the Premier League.

Bothroyd has been named by Fabio Capello in the England squad to play France in Wednesday night's friendly at Wembley.

"We're hoping he starts or he gets some part of the game because we do believe that he has earned it," Jones told the BBC's Sportsweek.

"There are some good players down in the Championship and it would be a shame if they are overlooked because of the division they are playing in."

Although Bothroyd, 28, had been tipped to be in the squad there was no complacency from the Cardiff manager over his selection despite his player's confident attitude.

"Jay thinks he should be there anyway so that's not a problem," continued Jones.

"It's a lift for Jay, it's a lift for the whole club ? myself and the staff.

"I don't think he was expecting it. We hoped it would happen because he has been in good form.

"He's not an out-and-out big target man. He can drift, he's got good ability, good pace."

Jones admitted that Bothroyd was not the easiest player to work with but revealed he had found out for himself about the player's character.

"Hard work. That's how I'd describe him. He's what we call high maintenance. But he is a lovely lad, he wants to do well.

"Most footballers are high maintenance. Sometimes players get a reputation with other clubs. You only find out when you work with them and he is a genuine and honest player."